“With the groom and groomsmen in kilts, a stunning White by Vera Wang gown, the sweetest dog ever, an oyster roast, and Irish dancing, it might be safe to say that Sara and Graham had one of the best, most unique weddings ever! Their Charleston nuptials took place at the Oyster House Farm under live oak trees next to sweeping views of the marsh. The bride and groom stood inside a wreath of flowers to say their emotional “I dos”, and their guests enjoyed gourmet pork rinds and pimento cheese bites at the al fresco reception, lit with strings of bulbs, while the couple and their bridal party – including Henry the dog – took photos. Then it was time to party the night away, so Sara changed to a short, chic dress… which was just perfect for the Irish dancing to come!”

Novella of the Bride…

Graham and I have been together for 3 years. I am a registered nurse and Graham is an active duty member in the United States Coast Guard. Graham is currently preparing for rescue swimmer school just like in the movie The Guardian and I am planning on returning to school to become a Nurse Practitioner in women’s health. I grew up in the Philadelphia area and met Graham while he was stationed in the seashore town of Cape May, NJ. Graham is from Charleston, SC and we knew immediately that that was where we wanted to celebrate our marriage.

I wanted the overall theme and feel of our wedding to be warm and inviting. We wanted it to feel like an elegant but casual outdoor celebration. Graham immediately wanted to wear a kilt along with the rest of the groomsmen. He does have some Scottish/Irish background but he just thought the idea would be a blast and the men definitely enjoyed themselves. We planned our wedding from Cape May, NJ which is where Graham is currently stationed with the USCG. Through the help of Michael Winship of Winship Productions, he made it extremely easy. Graham and I wanted our dog Henry part of our special day, he is an English Springer Spaniel. We also recruited one of the groomsmen to make can koozies for us which featured Henry on them and we also personalized mason jars for our specialty cocktails as well.

My mom and dad were a big part of the planning process. Graham was a huge help as well, he is extremely creative. One of his groomsmen Brian Johnson, was extremely help configuring the layout of the reception and how to hang the lights. Graham’s grandfather E. DuBose Blakeney and his wife Nancy were very helpful and generous because Oyster House Farm belongs to them and they own and live in the plantation style home on the farm. The venue, Oyster House Farm, is naturally beautiful and we thought it would be perfect for our big day. My godmother Sahron Connor embroidered all of the bookmarks that hung from my bouquet as well as the bridesmaids’ bouquets and flower girl’s basket. She along with my grandfather Ed Connor made cushions and pillows for the benches and swing. All of my bridesmaids especially my maid of honor Erin Connor, were extremely helpful and easy going with the entire planning process and day of events.

Our favorite moment was the ceremony! That was the first time I saw Graham so emotional and it was very heartwarming. We had a few special touches including a poem read by one of the ushers, the entire wedding party and guests joining hands for a blessing, acoustic guitar and mandolin playing in the background, and very personalized vows that meant the world to us.